Tears on Eid: Families left grieving as terrorists claim dozens of innocent lives

(Dr. Lubna Zaheer): In the midst of Eid celebrations, Pakistan is grappling with the devastating consequences of Indian aggression along its borders and in occupied Kashmir. As ceasefire violations escalate, innocent lives continue to be lost, with the recent tragedy of the Jaffar Express attack in Balochistan serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats facing the nation. The attacks, linked to Indian-backed terrorism, have left numerous families grieving, with many children now orphaned. As Pakistan mourns the loss of its brave martyrs, the reflection on the plight of Kashmiris and the value of the nation’s sovereignty grows ever more poignant.

Upon hearing the latest reports from occupied Kashmir, a heartfelt prayer rose within me: may Allah grant the Kashmiris freedom from Indian oppression. Ameen.

During the Eid festivities, India violated the ceasefire agreement and launched shelling across the border areas, leading to the tragic deaths of two martyrs and numerous civilians being injured. While India continues its oppressive actions in occupied Kashmir, it also intensifies its aggression along the border, targeting innocent civilians. Furthermore, India remains involved in destabilizing Pakistan through terrorist activities within our borders.

A recent example of this was the tragic Jaffar Express attack in Balochistan, an incident with links to India. During the blessed month of Ramadan, terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express, claiming the lives of many innocent people. A report from BBC Urdu shared the heartbreaking story of Shamroz, a martyred railway police officer. His widow revealed that Shamroz had four daughters and a son, who are now left orphaned. He had promised his children a trip on the third day of Eid, but instead, he became a victim of terrorism. Another railway officer, also martyred in the attack, left behind seven young children, who were eagerly awaiting their father's return. Little did they know that, due to the terrorist attack, their father had been buried beneath tons of rubble.

The Jaffar Express tragedy claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including 18 soldiers and FC personnel. These innocent victims, along with their grieving families, have no explanation for their fate. It's easy to imagine that, while many were celebrating Eid, these families were observing the day in mourning.

As these events unfold, Eid celebrations in Pakistan have been overshadowed by sorrow. In light of these heartbreaking developments, I wish those who speak ill of Pakistan and question its creation would reflect on the actions of Israel and India. They should open their eyes to the plight of the Palestinians and Kashmiris, so they can truly appreciate and value their own country, Pakistan.

-- The writer is a professor and analyst specializing in media and communication studies. She can be reached at lubna.zaheer91@gmail.com

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